Morrissey, the enigmatic and often controversial frontman of The Smiths, has cemented himself as one of the most influential artists in modern rock history. From his early days with The Smiths to his prolific solo career, Morrissey’s lyrics and distinctive voice have captured the hearts of fans around the world. With a career spanning over four decades, there’s no shortage of iconic songs to choose from when it comes to creating a list of his best work.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Morrissey songs of all time. From the melancholic ballads that tug at the heartstrings to the more upbeat and playful tracks, we’ll explore the diversity of Morrissey’s sound and the themes that have made him such a beloved figure in the music world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his music for the first time, this list is sure to offer something for everyone. So grab your headphones and get ready to dive into the world of Morrissey’s music.
1. Now My Heart Is Full
“Now My Heart Is Full” is a melancholic yet powerful track from Morrissey’s second solo album, “Vauxhall and I”. The song features Morrissey’s trademark baritone voice, backed by a haunting guitar melody and a steady drumbeat. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of loneliness, isolation, and longing for love and connection. Morrissey’s introspective and emotive lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels disconnected from the world around them, yet still yearns for human connection. The chorus, “Now my heart is full, now my heart is full, and I just can’t explain so I won’t even try to,” is a cathartic release of emotion that hits the listener right in the heart. Overall, “Now My Heart Is Full” is a stunning showcase of Morrissey’s unique talent for crafting deeply emotional and introspective songs.
2. First Of The Gang To Die
“First of the Gang to Die” is a standout track from Morrissey’s 2004 album, “You Are the Quarry”. The song opens with a driving guitar riff and builds into a catchy, anthemic chorus. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a young man who becomes involved in gang culture and ultimately meets a tragic end. Morrissey’s emotive vocals bring a sense of urgency and desperation to the story, while the upbeat instrumentation creates a striking contrast to the darker subject matter. “First of the Gang to Die” is a powerful commentary on youth violence and the destructive nature of gang culture, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. The song showcases Morrissey’s ability to tackle social issues in his music while still creating an infectious and memorable melody.
3. Suedehead
“Suedehead” is one of Morrissey’s most beloved songs, and remains a staple of his live performances to this day. The song, which was released as a single in 1988, features Morrissey’s distinctive crooning vocals set against a jangly guitar riff and a driving beat. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of loneliness and isolation, with Morrissey lamenting his inability to connect with others. Despite the melancholic subject matter, “Suedehead” is a catchy and upbeat track that showcases Morrissey’s ability to craft a memorable melody. The song’s title has become synonymous with Morrissey himself, and has even been adopted as the name of his official fan club. Overall, “Suedehead” is a classic Morrissey track that has stood the test of time and remains a fan favorite over 30 years after its release.
4. Hairdresser On Fire
“Hairdresser On Fire” is a raucous and rebellious track from Morrissey’s debut solo album, “Viva Hate”. The song opens with a fiery guitar riff and features Morrissey’s snarling vocals railing against the conformity and mundanity of everyday life. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a hairdresser who dreams of escaping their mundane existence and pursuing their true passions. The song’s catchy chorus, “I’m not a dog on a chain, I’m just a boy in a train,” is a defiant statement of individuality and rebellion. “Hairdresser On Fire” is a classic Morrissey track that showcases his ability to blend biting social commentary with a catchy melody and a punk rock attitude. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Morrissey’s enduring influence on the world of alternative rock music.
5. The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils
“The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils” is a biting commentary on the state of education and the power dynamics between teachers and students. The song, which appears on Morrissey’s 2014 album, “World Peace Is None of Your Business,” features a driving rock beat and Morrissey’s distinctive vocals delivering lyrics that condemn the authoritarian nature of modern education systems. The chorus, “The teachers are afraid of the pupils, and the pupils are afraid of the teachers,” is a stark reminder of the power imbalances that exist within the classroom. “The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils” is a powerful statement on the importance of empowering students and creating a more equitable education system, and is a testament to Morrissey’s ability to use his music to shine a light on important social issues.
6. All You Need Is Me
“All You Need Is Me” is a standout track from Morrissey’s 2008 album, “Years of Refusal”. The song features a driving rock beat and Morrissey’s signature baritone vocals delivering lyrics that are both sardonic and introspective. The song’s chorus, “All you need is me, to make you feel alive,” is a bold statement of Morrissey’s self-assurance and confidence in his own abilities as an artist. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of alienation and the struggle for personal fulfillment in a world that often seems indifferent to our desires. “All You Need Is Me” is a powerful and infectious track that showcases Morrissey’s unique ability to blend biting social commentary with a catchy melody. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Morrissey’s enduring influence on alternative rock music.
7. The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get
“The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get” is a classic Morrissey track that was released as a single in 1994. The song features a driving guitar riff and Morrissey’s distinctive vocals delivering lyrics that are both humorous and cutting. The song’s title is a play on the well-known saying, “The more you push me away, the closer I get,” and the lyrics tell the story of a person who becomes increasingly obsessed with someone who ignores them. The chorus, “Beware, I bear more grudges than lonely high court judges,” is a wry and clever statement on the power dynamics of unrequited love. “The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Morrissey’s unique ability to blend humor, irony, and social commentary into his music.
8. My Love Life
“My Love Life” is an upbeat and catchy track from Morrissey’s 1991 album, “Kill Uncle”. The song features a driving drumbeat and jangly guitars, and Morrissey’s distinctive crooning vocals delivering lyrics that are both playful and introspective. Lyrically, the song deals with Morrissey’s own romantic struggles, with the chorus proclaiming, “Oh, my love life, is getting so bland, there are only so many ways I can make love with my hand.” Despite the humorous tone of the lyrics, “My Love Life” is a poignant and relatable commentary on the frustrations and loneliness that can come with searching for love. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Morrissey’s ability to infuse even his most upbeat tracks with a sense of depth and emotion.
9. Glamorous Glue
“Glamorous Glue” is a standout track from Morrissey’s 1992 album, “Your Arsenal”. The song features a driving rock beat and Morrissey’s signature baritone vocals delivering lyrics that are both provocative and introspective. The song’s chorus, “We look to Los Angeles for the language we use, London is dead, London is dead,” is a biting commentary on the state of contemporary culture and the allure of American celebrity. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of isolation and disillusionment, with Morrissey lamenting the emptiness of modern life and the difficulty of finding meaning in a world that often seems superficial and disconnected. “Glamorous Glue” is a powerful and infectious track that showcases Morrissey’s unique ability to blend biting social commentary with a catchy melody. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Morrissey’s enduring influence on alternative rock music.
10. We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful
“We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” is a standout track from Morrissey’s 1992 album, “Your Arsenal”. The song features a driving rock beat and Morrissey’s signature baritone vocals delivering lyrics that are both humorous and biting. The song’s title is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the common feeling of jealousy that can arise when a friend achieves success. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of ambition and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The chorus, “We hate it when our friends become successful, it ruins our own chances for happiness,” is a sardonic statement on the power dynamics of friendship and the difficulty of balancing one’s own desires with the success of those around us. “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful” is a classic Morrissey track that showcases his ability to blend humor and irony with social commentary, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
